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Compensation for Secondary Smoke Inhalation

Today’s post comes from guest author Charlie Domer from The Domer Law Firm.

Washington has mandated smoke-free workplaces for several years now. Although claims for medical conditions related to prior exposures are theoretically possible, meeting the criteria for having an allowable claim can be tough.

In Washington, occupational exposure claims of any type can be allowed if there is a link between a medical condition and a work exposure AND if the exposure represents a distinctive condition of employment. In other words, if many people across the general population have similar exposures then the claim would not be allowed.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your circumstances and see if a workers’ compensation claim is possible for you.

Recent article indicates some public health departments are offering incentives to create smoke-free policies in buildings. The idea is to reduce the exposure to second-hand smoke.

While substantial strides have been made in many states to provide both smoke-free public places and smoke-free workplaces, the dangers of secondary smoke inhalation remain. In Wisconsin, a case I handled established the compensability of secondary inhalation [Kufall v. Wisconsin Bell, Inc. WC Claim No. 88-000676 (Labor and Industry Review Commission, December 11, 1990]. In that case, Wisconsin Bell refused to provide a smoke-free environment for a worker who had a specific tobacco allergy, despite her several efforts and requests to be free of secondary smoke.

Ms. Kufall was entitled to claim a Loss of Earning Capacity for her permanent allergy to tobacco smoke

Because the employer could or would not provide such an environment, Ms. Kufall was entitled to claim a Loss of Earning Capacity for her permanent allergy to tobacco smoke, based upon the number of workplaces from which she would be precluded from working because of such exposure. Benefits are also payable for lost time and for Permanent Partial Impairment to the lungs (based upon lung capacity diminution tests). Although many if not most workplaces are smoke-free, policies are often “honored in the breach” suggesting smokers are using hallways, bathrooms, and other public areas inside and outside the building, catch a quick smoke, often exposing co-employees to the dangers of secondary smoke inhalation.

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Welcome to Washington Workers' Advisor. On this blog we will strive to keep you informed about trends and developments in workers' compensation law, Social Security disability, maritime claims, and other issues important to workers. Causey Law Firm is a nationally recognized firm serving clients across the nations with Washington State workers’ compensation claims, Longshore & Harbor Worker and Defense Base Act cases, Social Security claims and maritime cases.

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Jay Causey has practiced for over 30 years in the area of workers' compensation and disability law, including Washington State workers' compensation claims, Social Security Disability cases, Longshore and Harbor workers' Act cases, Defense Base Act claims, and maritime injury. Read More »

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